Expressions of Interest for MSCA-PF-2021: WELLBEING DURING ADOLESCENCE AND YOUTH. THE ROLE OF SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

RESEARCH GROUP:

The LAECOVI (Lab for studies on 'Convivencia' and Violence prevention) has addressed the analysis of psychoeducational processes that occur in both formal and non-formal contexts, focusing on the study of the mechanisms underlying the peer relationships’ network and, as part of it, the risk of interpersonal violence.

We investigate school and youth violence and how to improve the 'convivencia'. 'Convivencia' is a Spanish expression that describes particularly well social wellbeing in terms of a climate of peaceful and mutual understanding. Our work aims to find the most appropriate ways to stablish social and interpersonal bonds based on knowledge and respect for others. We seek the recognition of the other as a peer to whom we must learn to respect in their identity and in their differences; someone with whom it is possible to stablish networks of friendship and respect.

Specifically, our research focuses on the study of positive interpersonal relationships, and the importance of optimizing school, youth and family 'convivencia'. This requires the study of conflict, harassment and cyber-behaviors in many different contexts: peers, dating, couples, family, etc.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Psychological research and practice have traditionally focused on studying and treating pathologies following a deficit approach, which has as its main priority to lessen the unpleasant effects of different individual and social problems. This approach has been particularly evident in studies of adolescents, as this period of life involves many changes and has long been portrayed as a time of stress and hardship. To counter the traumatic, conflictive image traditionally associated with adolescence, a stream of studies has emerged in recent years which portray  adolescence t not as a source of problems, but rather as a valuable asset in a development process.

Over the last few years, different theoretical approaches have emerged advocating for a positive understanding of adolescence, recognizing it as a stage characterized by plasticity, the acquisition of competences and the achievement of satisfactory levels of well-being and positive adjustment. This perspective encourages us to study adolescents from a broader perspective, such as the development of human potentialities which led to a positive view of their general health, rather than focusing on the presence or lack of diseases or disorders (WHO, 1946). During the last decade, this field has stimulated considerable research aimed at redressing the scientific and practical imbalance in psychopathology between strengths and well-being (Linley et al., 2006).

Definitions of well-being are based on a broad framework including personal, contextual and interpersonal variables. During adolescence and youth the latter play a key role in development. During adolescence, well-being seems to have its own developmental idiosyncrasy, and differs significantly from later ages (Casas, 2010). The manifold changes that occur at these ages (physical, physiological, cognitive, emotional, behavioural, social, relational and institutional), make adolescence an exceptionally plastic period of life (Lerner et al., 2013), in which the interaction with family, peers and the community should be considered as essential aspects of positive development, capable of generating well-being (Lerner et al., 2005) and as good indicators of positive adjustment at these ages.

If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please, forward your CV (max. 5 pages), 2 reference letters (or referees contacts, optional), and a short motivation letter (max. 5 pages) including your research area, project idea, and how you, and your research, could contribute to my research lines.

Expressions of interest must be forwarded before 18^th May 2021 to cviejo@uco.es stating in the subject “EoI_MSCA-PF-2021”. The selected candidate will be invited to work in the application together with Prof. Carmen Viejo and the International Projects Office from UCO from the month of May’2021. Please, ensure your agenda allows for full dedication to the proposal preparation during the summer months since the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship deadline is 15^th September 2021.

HOST INSTITUTION:

The Universidad de Córdoba (UCO) is a non-profit High Education and Research institution considered at the forefront of research in Andalusia and is ranking among the top research institutions at the national level. UCO has a commitment with society, promoting innovation, research and technological development as an instrument for the social and economic progress.

The research efforts are compound of 193 research units covering different disciplines range from the Humanities, Legal and Social Sciences to the Health Sciences and Science and Technology. Our institution is also involved in The Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3) as well as in several research centers as the IMIBIC (Institute Maimonides of Biomedical Research) and the “University Research Institute of Fine Chemicals and Nanochemistry” and in the creation of the Rabanales 21 Science and Technology Park.

UCO is also equipped with cutting-edge centralized research facilities and offers a wide range of services that facilitate the management, implementation and dissemination of transnational projects achieved by our university, as well as the transfer of knowledge, protection of obtained results.

The Universidad de Córdoba has a large experience in management and implementation of international projects, and has obtained the "Human Resources Excellence in Research logo" (HRS4R), which ensure the improvement of working conditions for researchers across Europe. Furthermore, as local contact point of Euraxess Network, supports researcher mobility and career development, enhancing scientific collaboration between UCO and international researchers.